TALIBAN READY FOR CEASEFIRE

TALIBAN ANNOUNCED ONLY 

ONE MONTH  CEASEFIRE

Pakistani Taliban has announced ceasefire with the Pakistani government. The Taliban’s decision was confirmed by Taliban officials named Shahid. "We announce a ceasefire from today and appeal to all our companions to respect the decision and refrain from any activity during this period,". Taliban official said the decision was taken with the consent of the Taliban Shura and chief of the outlawed group. The official also added that peace talks with the government of Pakistan had been initiated with honest intentions and seriousness.

According to the Taliban official, a positive response had been received by the Taliban committee from the government of Pakistan over elimination of the deadlock in talks and announcement of ceasefire. He further told assurances had been provided to the Taliban over implementation of their recommendations. The Taliban’s ceasefire announcement was welcomed by the government of Pakistan. The announcement was a positive step for us.

Talks between the two committees stalled after the Taliban targeted Pakistan’s security forces and civilians in several terrorist attacks. Following the deadlock, surgical strikes conducted by fighter jets and gunship helicopters were carried out targeting militant hideouts in the tribal areas. Pakistan Interior Ministery announced that dialogue remained a priority but the government would not allow anybody to challenge it.

The parliamentarians were also informed by the interior ministry of Pakistan that an operation was not underway in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) but surgical strikes were being carried out.

FEMALE PROSECUTORS TRAINING US EXPERTS

US TRAINING FOR FEMALE PROSECUTORS

From the US State and Justice Departments concluded a five day training course on investigative and analytical techniques for female prosecutors and police investigators here in Islamabad.  

The Women Police and Prosecutor Conference brought together female prosecutors and police investigators from Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Islamabad only  to receive specialized training from  both Pakistani and American experts in crime scene analysis, forensic evidence collection and interview techniques.

The US Deputy Chief of Mission told the participants, Pakistan’s justice system will serve the whole population most fairly and effectively when more women fill the ranks of police investigators and prosecutors. The US Chief also said that when people feel safe and protected, when those guilty of crimes are consistently brought to justice and punished for their acts, businesses will be able to prosper and Pakistanis will have better opportunities to achieve their potential.

The women participating in the conference received instruction from Pakistani and American experts on police-prosecutor cooperation and case presentation in addition to practical skills for investigating crimes and analyzing and presenting evidence. The participants agreed that increased coordination between police and prosecutors from the beginning of an investigation is essential to bringing criminals to justice.

The comprehensive United States effort to support the activities of a range of Pakistani crime and eradicate terrorism.

The United States partners with the government its justice system and provide professional development and training for law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges etc.  

PAKISTAN STRAIN IRAN’S POWER

PAKISTAN STRESS IRAN’S STAMINA

Even before the abduction of the border guards, Iran had been upset by the decision of Nawaz Sharif’s government from Pakistan to withdraw from its agreement regarding the export of Iranian natural gas to Pakistan, which was signed under the administration of Asif Ali Zardari. The pretext was that Pakistan did not have the resources to build its apart of the pipeline the Iranian side of the pipeline is already finished or very near to completion. But Tehran also was not thrilled by the closer military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which clearly was aimed at Iran and could even  have a nuclear dimension.

Terrorist activities against Iran, conducted by groups operating from Pakistan and to some extent Afghanistan, are nothing new. Despite Iran’s protests, Pakistan has done little to stop these attacks. The latest incidents have once again raised tensions in Iran’s relations with Pakistan over the latter’s lax approach towards terrorist acts against Iran, conducted from or on Pakistani territory. Tensions over the abduction of border guards  have reached such a point that some Iranian politicians have called on the government to go inside Pakistan to rescue  its guards if the Pakistani government refuses to do so. In response, the Pakistani government warned Iran that it will not tolerate any Iranian incursion into its territory. However in order to placate the Iranian government the Pakistanis agreed to form a joint committee with Iran to pursue the fate of the Iranian guards.

As has been its stance in the face of earlier Pakistani provocations this time too Iran will not risk a military confrontation with Pakistan or other serious retaliatory action. However if these latest tensions are not satisfactorily resolved, the downward trend in Iranian-Pakistan relations is bound to continue.

The steady decline in Iranian-Pakistani relations over the last 35 years back has deeper causes in the dramatic cultural shift in Pakistan since 1978 and the coming to power in Islamabad of General Zia along with the equally drastic change in Iran’s politics and policies after the Islamic Revolution. By the Mid 1970 heretofore close Iranian-Pakistani relations had already been strained by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto policy of chasing Arab petro-dollars and his turn towards Islam to enhance national solidarity in the aftermath of the separation of East Pakistani and the creation of Bangladesh. This drifting apart became clear when Bhutto decided to invite Libya’s Mummar Gaddafi to the 1976 Islamic Summit in Islamabad although the Shah of Iran made clear that in that case he will not attend the summit and despite the fact Iran had supported Pakistan in the latter’s 1971-72 war against India.

As a result, today the Persian poetry of Dr. Allama Iqbal is no longer valued in Pakistan and there is an effort to eliminate Persian words from day to day usage like, the traditional farewell, Khoda Hafiz, has been changed into Allah Hafiz, because Khoda is the Persian word for God. The growth of Wahhabi Islam in Pakistan also exacerbated relations with the country’s Shia minority, which had become more politically active under the influence of the Iranian Revolution, thus further straining relations with Iran, which was viewed as supporting Shia activism in Pakistan.

Iran’s ability to respond effectively to Pakistan’s hostile moves was further restrained by the pan-Islamist tendencies of Iran’s foreign policy and its desire to retain the fiction of Islamic solidarity. For instance, this concern prevented Iran from using relations with India to show Pakistan that its hostility towards Iran would entail costs to Islamabad.

In sum, despite Iran’s latest warnings to Pakistan, any military action on its part is unlikely and this crisis, too will subside, with Pakistan offering soothing words but not much of tangible value in the long term, given Pakistan’s cultural shifts and the financial lure of the Gulf Arabs, a return to the close relations of prior days in unlikely. However should Iran resolve its problems with the United States and other Western countries and end its isolation, Pakistan will have to treat Iran with more caution and respect. 

IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

ASIA'S IRAN OIL BUYS START TO RISE 

AFTER NUCLEAR DEAL

Asian buyers increased purchases of Iranian crude by 25% in last month of January from a year ago as the grip of sanctions imposed by US since 2012 loosened following a landmark agreement in November to curtail Tehran’s nuclear programme.

China, India, Japan and South Korea together bought an average of 1.25 million bpd last month, government and industry data showed. They bought 1.03 million bpd in January. Increased crude exports from Iran may cap oil prices after other oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq raised output to fill the gap created by the Western sanctions and outages in North Africa and the Middle East.

Iranian exports are increasing and that means more supplies are coming into a market that is already well supplied. The import figures confirm data from sources who track tanker movements that show Iran’s exports have been rising since the nuclear deal was struck in Geneva.

Last month the United States and the European Union began following through on promised sanctions relief for Iran on oil exports, trade in precious metals and automotive services as the November agreement went into effect on Jan. 2014.

Talks on reaching a final settlement to the decade-old dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme have made a good start, European Union. Toughened sanctions placed on Iran in 2012 more than halved its crude exports, costing it billions of dollars a month in lost oil revenue.

The West says Iran’s nuclear ambitions are aimed at making a weapon. Tehran says it only wants to develop nuclear power. Japan, the world’s fourth biggest oil importer purchased 210517 bpd from Iran last month compared with 239085 bpd in January a year ago according to the trade ministry data showed here on Friday.

China is the largest oil client of Iran. China may buy more Iranian oil in 2014 as state-run trader Corp is negotiating a new condensate contact.

India’s imports from Iran more than doubled last month from December, reaching the highest since February 2012 as one state refiner returned from three month break as a buyer.

At last China, India, Japan and South Korea are together cut their purchases of Iranian crude by 15 percent in 2013 to an average of 10000bpd.

CHINA SUPPORT PAKISTAN ECONOMY

PAKISTAN KEEN TO LEARN FROM 

CHINESE ECONOMIC

Pakistan is keen to learn from the Chinese economic and development miracle and benefit from its expertise in diverse areas of defence, energy, industry, agriculture, communications, commerce and trade.  

Underscoring the importance of greater connectivity between both the countries, Pakistani president Mr. Mamnoon asked the Chinese Defence Minister that the ongoing gigantic project of China-Pakistan  Economic corridor would transform the entire region into a vibrant trade, energy and economic corridor besides further boosting Pak-China bilateral trade to new heights.

The expression of satisfaction from Pakistan on the growing Pak-China defence relations, Pakistan appreciates the vulnerable assistance of China in its efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence field.

Pakistani president thanked by heart and eye to the Chinese government and leadership for its proactive role in socio-economic development and strategic stability of Pakistan.

Appreciating the contributions of Chinese nationals, engineers and workers for economic development of Pakistan. the government of Pakistan accords highest priority to the security of Chinese nationals and assured that the government has undertaken all possible steps for their safety and security.  

The time tested friendship between Pakistan and China was solidly anchored on convergence of strategic interests, commonality of views on regional and international issues, high degree for mutual trust, driven by an abiding interest  in progress and prosperity of each other and promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan deeply values China’s support on issues of its national security and territorial integrity. Solid foundation of our time-tested and all weather friendship provided by strong mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues. China and Pakistan enjoy a unique relationship and deeply appreciated the Chinese support for the projects included in the China-Pakistan Economic corridor in the recent Joint Cooperation Committee.

China-Pakistan economic corridor would not only benefit both nationals, but transform the region’s economy and dovetail perfectly with the strategy of developing and connecting the South and Central Asian regions of the world.

PAKISTAN & ITS SOCIETY

FACTS OF PAKISTANI BRAND

There are good people and good things to describe but it must be admitted that human societies have their limitation. Freedom, justice and equality are only ideals. Total justice and peace are not humanly possible. One should look at negatives with a glass half-full approach and should realize that spreading positivity instead of deprivation will serve the cause better.  Many will only remain on the right track if mental discipline is shaped by education and if there is fear of law, justice and punishment. If a society enjoys justice and fair play, it will surely portray a soft image.

If our social economic and administrative systems work reasonably and efficiently no harm can come to Pakistan. every citizen must have confidence in the justice system. There can be no peace without justice and no civilized society without education. In the absence of justice and literacy no one can envision the credibility of a sound reputation for the country.

Pakistan is making all kinds of efforts to tackle terrorism not only for its own good but also for the whole world. Unfortunately, the western world is not giving Pakistan due credit. It keeps on highlighting only those things through which the image of Pakistan can be damaged and their national interests are served but is it sensible to keep waiting for due credit? Putting aside the debate of this being our war or the war of others enforced on our country and steered by our forces, political leaders should get our unparalleled sacrifices and unshaken resolve acknowledged by the world regardless of mindless propaganda.

The soft image of Pakistan can be portrayed by three sources, culture, economy and by media. Pakistan is not able to attract the western world through its historical and culture heritage. Tourism can bring a big change and can play a pivotal role. Cultural events, exchange programmes, broadcasting or teaching the country’s language and promoting the country’s culture and society can be used as soft tools. Basant (kiting) and Valentine’s Day celebrations will not help. We are in dire need of the culture of tolerance in Pakistan. We must think of starting exchange programmes between students. Teachers must be welcomed from abroad to teach their language to young students in Pakistan and vice versa. Science and technology must be given at high preference. Helping other countries in disasters and emergency situations can provoke our soft side instead of highlighting our miseries with the greed of getting aid from the world. The government of Pakistan should keep working on issues of backwardness, unemployment and economic deprivation in the country and keep striving to address these through judicious distribution of resources.

People by brands not products, this is an age-old fact acknowledged by many researchers all over the world. We need to develop our brand which might be called Pakistani brand. Almost every other country is associated with its national characteristics. Italy is associated with style, Japan with technology, India with history and culture, so our efforts with branding must be guided to find our national, religious and economic roles.

in views of all above facts, the media, particularly the electronically can play a major role. We need to have more English news channels to have more of an international audience. The media has hyped bad news but that does not mean that nothing good has happened or is happening. The media has played a huge part in this feeling of desperation by mainly reporting bad news and harping on about it. The media seems to be shunning every positive piece of news because it is not “sexy” enough and gets no advertising. We all know the publicity is what a company or individual receives when the notable event is good, the publicity usually attracts a new client and gives the company something to brag about in future. We as a nation have to say at last that we are going through bad times and all of us in some way or other are contributors to this. Let us all resolve to get out of this rut by doing sincerely and honestly what our individuals’ jobs are before we point fingers at others. 

TALIBAN SHOT DOWN US HELICOPTER

AFGHAN TALIBAN SHOT DOWN US HELICOPTER

Taliban fighters shot at a US helicopter head – on from nearly point-blank range, US law-makers heard Thursday in what was the single deadliest incident for US and NATO forces in the Afghan war.

Lawmakers were grilling US military officials over the August 2011 attack on the Chinook that killed 30 American as it transported Navy SEAL commandos, along with other American and Afghan troops to flush out a Taliban commander in Wardak province.

Families of some of the victims have alleged the military has  not revealed all the facts of the incident failed to punish commanders in charge of the operation and mishandled some of the remains of the dead.

Afghan soldiers have also been suspected, involved in the operation could have passed word to the Taliban of the chopper’s route.

Taliban fighters atop a building near the designated landing zone fired rocket-propelled grenades at the chopper  from nearly head-on at a distance of less than 200  yards according to the defence secretary  operations. The close range left the pilot no chance to perform evasive maneuvers.

US Army Ranger forces had staged an operation earlier targeting Taliban figure and the Navy Seals were flown in to try to cut off the escape route of the fleeing commander.

Reid dismissed the possibility that Taliban militants learned about the helicopter’s route beforehand, and air crew knew the flight route and landing zone. AC-130 aircraft a predator drone and two Apache helicopters had flown over the designated landing area minutes earlier and failed to detect the Taliban fighters nearby. The harsh reality is that  helicopters remain vulnerable and other shoulder launched weapons and the Chinook is the standard helicopter used by troops at high elevations in Afghanistan due to its longer range and that flying modified model designed for special forces would not have made a difference.

Chinooks have been shot down by Taliban previously in Afghanistan in 2005 and in 2002. The facts remains we will always have to balance the tactical requirement to move troops quickly across the battlefield with the dangers of incurring lethal enemy fire and flying in extreme terrain.